March 9, 2016 - Iron Horse – along with REMSA and MAGNET – hosted Ohio Congressman Dave Joyce for a facilities tour to learn more about the burgeoning rail and manufacturing communities in Northeast Ohio.
Along with REMSA (the Railway Engineering Maintenance Suppliers Association) and MAGNET (the Manufacturing Advocacy & Growth Network), rail industry suppliers, rail safety associations and other local manufacturers joined us for a tour to see how two of our products – the rail boot and the rail seal – are helping to make railways safer and greener.
"We're thrilled to be able to represent a piece of the ever-expanding manufacturing industry in Northeast Ohio," said Tracie Roberts, VP of Iron Horse Engineering. "With Iron Horse's focus on safety and quality in the rail industry, having other rail industry experts and Congressman Joyce come together to discuss public policies that affect us all is vital to our industry.”
Iron Horse Engineering was started in 1989 with the invention of the rail boot and continues to supply transit to heavy haul freight lines. We are extremely proud that our innovative products are all made in America and are a crucial part of the manufacturing renaissance around Greater Cleveland.
The group discussed the private nature of America’s freight railroad network which, unlike other modes of freight transportation, does not rely on federal support for the expansion or maintenance of its network. Additionally, the group highlighted Congressman Joyce’s support for increased funding for the Section 130, Railway-Highway Crossing Program, which enhances safety for all users of the road, and his support of the Short Line Tax Credit, which enhances transportation options for Ohio’s manufacturers.
"America grew and prospered because of a strong railroad system,” said Congressman Joyce. “This longstanding American tradition is crucial to the economy in Northeast Ohio, and the nation, and I’m proud we have the manufacturing base right here in Ohio’s 14th District to make that happen.”
“It was a pleasure to host Congressman David Joyce, who continues to be a strong advocate for safe, efficient, and effective rail network,” said Sean Winkler, Grassroots Coordinator at REMSA. “Iron Horse Engineering’s activism and willingness to take part in the public policy process benefits the entire rail supply industry.”
The event concluded with a networking lunch featuring Gena Shelton from Operation Lifesaver, who spoke about rail safety and offered some sobering statistics:
It takes 18 football fields (or 1 to 1.5 miles) for an average freight train to stop. Railroad crossing safety is critical.
More than 50% of vehicle incidents at railroad crossings had the proper lights and gates.